There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about sun tea. You fill a big glass jar with water and tea, set it on the porch or windowsill, and let the summer sun do the brewing. No kettle, no stove, just a slow steep and a little patience. It is the kind of low-effort ritual that fits a hot afternoon perfectly. Before you set out your jar, though, it helps to know how to make sun tea well, and how to make it safely.
What is sun tea?
Sun tea is simply tea brewed with sunlight instead of hot water. The warmth of the sun gently heats the water over a few hours and slowly draws out the flavor and color of the tea. The result is smooth, mellow, and less likely to turn bitter than a hot brew, which is part of why it has stayed a summer favorite for generations.
Is sun tea safe to drink?
This is the part worth being honest about. Because sun tea brews at warm rather than boiling temperatures, the water may never get hot enough to kill off bacteria that can grow in that gentle heat. It is usually fine, but the risk is real enough to take a few simple precautions. Herbal, caffeine-free blends are a great choice here, and a little care goes a long way.
To brew sun tea safely:
- Start with a scrupulously clean glass jar with a lid.
- Use fresh, cold water and sealed tea bags rather than loose leaf floating around.
- Brew for no longer than three to four hours, and bring the jar in before it sits too long.
- Refrigerate the tea as soon as it is done, and drink it within a day.
- If the tea ever looks thick, cloudy, or ropey, or smells off, pour it out. That is a sign of bacterial growth.
If you would rather skip the guesswork entirely, cold brewing in the refrigerator gives you the same smooth, mellow cup with none of the warm-water worry. More on that below.
How to make sun tea, step by step
- Fill a clean half-gallon glass jar with about 6 to 8 cups of cold water.
- Add 4 to 6 herbal tea bags. As a rule of thumb, use one bag per cup of water.
- Cover the jar with a lid or cloth and set it in direct sun for three to four hours.
- Once it has reached a color and strength you like, remove the tea bags.
- Refrigerate right away, then serve over plenty of ice.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or a sprig of mint.
The best teas for sun tea
Herbal, caffeine-free blends are the natural fit for sun tea, both for safety and for that bright, refreshing summer flavor. Reach for Sun Soaked, our green mate, apple, and hibiscus blend that was practically made for a sunny jar, or Bath Time, a soothing mix of lemongrass, sage, and tangerine. Picnic in the Park brings apple and hibiscus, and Snow Angel offers a cool, minty finish. Any of them make a beautiful, colorful pitcher.
An alternative: cold brew
If the safety question gives you pause, cold brewing is the easy answer. Steep the same tea bags in cold water in the refrigerator overnight, about eight hours, and you get a smooth, well-chilled tea without ever entering the warm temperature range where bacteria thrive. It is the method to reach for most on repeat all summer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sun tea take to brew? Usually three to four hours in direct sun. Keep an eye on the color and pull the bags once it looks right.
Is sun tea actually safe? It can be, with care. Use a clean jar, brew no more than three to four hours, refrigerate immediately, and drink within a day. When in doubt, cold brew in the fridge instead.
How long does sun tea last? Drink it within 24 hours and keep it refrigerated. Toss it if it looks cloudy or ropey.
Can you make sun tea with herbal tea? Yes, and herbal, caffeine-free blends are the best choice for both flavor and peace of mind.
The bottom line
Sun tea is a simple summer pleasure, and a little know-how keeps it a safe one. Brew it clean, brew it short, chill it fast, and reach for a bright herbal blend. Find your favorite in our Summer Shop, or browse them all in our tea shop.
